Bolton 0 Manchester United 1: It's all about belief, says Neville after Berbatov grabs late winner

Rafa Benitez may believe Liverpool's title challenge is being undermined by Sir Alex Ferguson's alleged influence over officialdom.

But a slightly less fanciful explanation presented itself at a windswept Reebok Stadium as Manchester United replaced Benitez's side at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a header from Dimitar Berbatov.

While it was neither a remarkable performance by the champions, nor a remarkable goal from the Bulgarian, it was the manner of the triumph which would have made the Liverpool manager sit up and take note. Or rather, perhaps, slump at his desk in dismay.

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We’re flying: Berbatov goes full length to head the goal that took United to the top

For the seventh time in the league this season, United edged home by a 1-0 scoreline.

Several Bolton players sank to their knees at the final whistle, as if they had just lost a cup final after extra time. A point had eluded them, rather than a winner's medal, but clearly it was almost as galling after they expended enough energy to see themselves through a week of Gary Megson's most gruelling training sessions.

For Ferguson and his players, it was business as usual. The relief may have been evident on one or two faces, but there was still an air of inevitability about the way another stubborn opponent had been beaten into submission and another three points safely tucked away.

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They left it late, but what's new? They have been doing that ever since Steve Bruce's 97th-minute header past Sheffield Wednesday keeper Chris Woods at the Stretford End in April 1993 sparked an embarrassing touchline spectacle, as Fergie followed assistant Brian Kidd on to the pitch for surely the most toe-curling victory jig on record.

The loss of control was understandable. United's first title for 26 years was in the bag and their 18th overall now cannot be far away after another less than perfect performance again ended with a crucial victory. It is a classic title-winning formula, but Liverpool have yet to crack the code.

Up for it: Gary Neville insists United's title challenge is all about belief as he celebrates another late win

Skipper Gary Neville reflected on his side's knack of striking late and made it clear it has less to do with chance than perseverance and an unshakeable self-belief.

'That's three times we've done it in the past month, against Sunderland, Stoke and now Bolton,' he said.

'They've all played in a similar way against us, but we've kept going each time, remained patient and not let our concentration waver at the back.

'The main thing, in games like these, is to keep doing the right things and not let desperation creep in, even if you are approaching the final minute. We know the rewards will come, and they have again.

'I remember Cristiano Ronaldo toe-poking a shot at the keeper and seeing there was one minute 10 seconds to go.

'But you never think you're out of it, even at that late stage. You always sense there might be one more chance and Carlos Tevez did brilliantly down the right to set it up for Dimitar. Our view is, if we have to wait 90 minutes for a goal, we will.

'We'll see how significant the win was at the end of the season, but it was important, all right. We've had a massive week with three big games in six days and to win them all and go top is a great feeling.

'We're just happy to have got through the Japan tournament and claimed top place so soon afterwards, though you don't win anything in January. The reality is the hard work is still to come, but we're ready for it.'

Away day: Carlos Tevez attempts to escape Bolton defender Gary Cahill

Resilient though Bolton were, United's record-equalling 10th successive Premier League clean sheet was seldom under threat. Kevin Davies's looping 57th-minute header on to the roof of the net was United's only moment of anxiety as they swarmed forward in a second half that repeatedly brought the best out of Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Bolton keeper beat away a Ronaldo header and free-kick before half-time and was equal to two more set-pieces from the United midfielder before he was finally defeated by Berbatov's close-range header.

'Ten clean sheets on the bounce at this level is a massive achievement,' added Neville.

Last action hero: Berbatov shows what his winner means to him as he celebrates with United team-mates Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick

'Defending has been the bedrock of this side for the past couple of seasons, but we know we can't keep relying on one goal at the other end being enough. We've got so many players capable of sticking away chances, though, I can't see that being a problem.'